McStay 'very hopeful' Lee Keegan will commit to Mayo

New Mayo manager Kevin McStay is "very hopeful" Lee Keegan will commit to the county for the 2023 after admitting he has "cajoled" the veteran at length to postpone any thoughts of retirement.

Mayo had their first outing of the year, and under McStay, in a challenge match win over Sligo in Ballina yesterday.

The new boss ran the rule over some new faces as he looks to build a challenge for an All-Ireland title this season.

Keegan was absent with the experienced defender still mulling over whether he should continue his inter-county career.

McStay feels the soundings are positive from Keegan but that "we need to see him fairly soon" if he is to be part of their season.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, the Mayo manager said: "We're very hopeful. That question is not answered yet but it is going to be answered pretty soon.

"We've obviously met and cajoled him and coaxed him and got him into headlocks and kicked him and did whatever we could with him. But it's a big decision for him.

"He has a young family. But we are hopeful. I don't have to tell you the sort of player Lee Keegan is or what he means to this county. We would love to have him and we'll know very soon.

"We've given him all the information we could. We've mapped out to him what his season could look like and that all parties would be happy with. We've helped him any way we can and we need to see him fairly soon I think please God (if he is to be part of it)."

The 1-20 to 1-09 victory over Sligo was the first game of what will be a busy time for counties this year.

Mayo begin their FBD League campaign in mid-January before the start of the league and the Connacht championship rolls around shortly after the conclusion of Division 1.

McStay admitted that there has been a need for